Alice Aiken
Dr / Vice President Research and Innovation; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference at Dalhousie University, Halifax, CanadaA proud Dal alumna (BSc'94 in Physiotherapy), Professor Alice Aiken, PhD, MSc, BScPT, BSc was recently the Vice President for Research and Innovation at Dalhousie. She is past President of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and spent 10 years as a faculty member in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queens University. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (serving first as a ship's navigator in the Royal Canadian Navy, then as a physiotherapist), her research in health services and health policy has a focus on military personnel, veterans and their families.
Dr. Aiken is co-founder and former Scientific Director of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, a consortium of over 46 Canadian and 13 international universities, and her awards and honours include the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and induction into the Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.
Dr. Aiken is an exceptional team-builder, passionate about university research and has a strong understanding of Canada's broader research landscape. Her ability to engage across disciplines and build strategic partnerships serves her well in helping Dalhousie expand its reach and impact as one of Canada's leading research institutions. www.dal.ca/research
Victoria Belbin
Chief Executive Officer at Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA)With a strong, national reputation as an effective and compelling leader, Victoria channels her experience, strategic thinking, and business acumen into her role as CEO for the Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (ACADA) and her many volunteer board positions.
As an experienced association leader, Victoria has successfully transformed organizations into key drivers of policy, advocating on behalf of industry, resulting in responsive and collaborative partnership environments. Victoria’s success in leading strategic initiatives is due to her ability to bring diverse teams together to find commonality and clarity.
Since joining ACADA in 2021, she has been a driving force in fostering innovation and collaboration within Atlantic Canada’s aerospace and defence sectors. Under her leadership, ACADA has strengthened its role as a catalyst for industry growth, bringing together key stakeholders and spearheading initiatives that amplify the region’s contributions to Canada’s economy.
In addition, Victoria has gained significant corporate governance, business, and management experience in complex regulatory environments by leading industry organizations and as a board member on a variety of board settings including not-for-profit organizations, charities, and crown corporations. Some of her board experience includes boards such as: Workplace Health and Safety Commission (WNL), NL Liquor Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, Cancer Care Foundation, TaskForceNL, and most recently, Victoria has been appointed to Rideau Hall Foundation, further cementing her influence and dedication to advancing leadership in Canada.
Victoria holds a Master of Marine Studies from Memorial University and stays on top of governance practices through her commitment to continuing education through the Institute for Corporate Directors and ICD.D designation.
Cathy Bennett
Founding and Managing Partner at Sandpiper VenturesWith over 35 years of business leadership, her own company Bennett Group of Companies grew from a small group of service businesses to operations in commercial and industrial construction, industrial manufacturing, human resource support, service, retail, industrial supply, and real estate investments and operations.
She is also one of the founders and General Partners of Sandpiper Ventures, a venture capital fund created and launched to invest in women and women’s innovation as a proactive and profitable business decision. Sandpiper was one of the first venture funds in Canada investing in women-led companies at the seed stage.
Focused on supporting start-ups Cathy is an associate fellow with the Creative Destruction Lab, and a board member with Propel ICT, Atlantic Canada’s Virtual Accelerator, a mentor with the Pei BioAlliance.
She has served on more than a dozen private and public corporate boards with interests in real estate, natural resources, energy, manufacturing, industrial construction, technology, and business services.
First elected in 2013 as a Member of the Newfoundland & Labrador House of Assembly, Cathy served in Cabinet as Minister of Finance, President of Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer.
Joyce Carter
President & Chief Executive Officer at Halifax International Airport AuthorityJoyce joined HIAA in 1999 and, throughout her career, has been integral in HIAA’s growth and development. In addition to leading an exceptional team at HIAA, Joyce is committed to supporting and advising the aviation industry through various board memberships, locally, nationally, and internationally, including serving as a Board Member and Past Chair of the Canadian Airports Council, past board member of the Airports Council International (ACI) World Governing Board, and Board Member and past President of the Board of Directors for the Atlantic Canada Airports Association.
An accomplished leader, Joyce has received numerous awards including being named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine from 2017 to 2020, one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in 2023 by Atlantic Business Magazine, and one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the Most Powerful CEOs category in 2023.
Martha Casey
Chief Operating Officer at Efficiency OneMartha Casey is the Chief Operating Officer of EfficiencyOne. Prior to that Martha was interim co-CEO and vice president of operations at the International Institute for Sustainable development, focusing on advancing resilience and sustainability in climate, resources and economies. Previously, Martha was the CEO of Atlantic Canada’s largest innovation hub, and her earlier experience includes several years in leadership at Dalhousie, and different change management, operations, and administration-focused positions for the City of New York.
Martha is currently on the Board of Directors for the IISD Experimental Lakes Area and the advisory board for the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University. She holds a Master of Public Administration from New York University, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Bishop’s University.
Christine Chambers
Professor and Scientific Director; Co-Chair, Canada Connects Conference of Dalhousie UniversityDr. Christine Chambers is an international leader in the study of children’s pain and an innovator in patient engagement, partnerships and knowledge mobilization. As a clinical psychologist and national voice for children’s health, Christine creates purposeful connections with diverse groups to move research from ideas to impact, improving the lives of children, youth and families. Twice named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, Christine has published over 200 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is recognized in the top 2% of the most cited scientists in the world.
Christine wears many hats in Canada’s health research community. She is a Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Children’s Pain at Dalhousie University and faculty member in the Centre for Pediatric Pain Research at IWK Health Centre. Her acclaimed research program has helped establish Canada as a leader in children’s pain research, launching award-winning projects including #ItDoesntHaveToHurt and mentoring more than 100 trainees. Christine is also the Scientific Director of Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP), a national knowledge mobilization network spun off from her research lab that is dedicated to improving children's pain management by mobilizing evidence-based solutions through coordination and collaboration.
Christine is honoured to serve as Scientific Director of the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH) at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), where she is steering a bold vision to foster research that promotes better beginnings, vibrant childhoods and empowered youth. Christine is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and the Associate Director of the North American Pain School.
Marie Chapman
Chief Executive Officer at Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21Marie Chapman is CEO of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. She began her work with the former Pier 21 society in 1996, serving in various roles. She was appointed CEO in 2011, as the organization transitioned to become one of Canada’s six national museums. In 2015, she oversaw a renovation that doubled the Museum’s size.
In honour of her significant contributions and achievements with the Museum, she received both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
She has been a member of the International Women’s Forum since 2012. She has served as President of the Atlantic Canadian chapter and remains a member of the national governance committee.
Marie holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mount Allison University. She is a proud mama to her son, Will.
Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor at Mount Saint Vincent UniversityDr. Joël Dickinson was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University
(MSVU) on July 1, 2022.
Before joining MSVU, Dr. Dickinson was Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Laurentian University and
also held the positions of Acting Associate Vice-President of Teaching and Learning (2020-2021),
and Chair of the university’s Department of Psychology.
She has held a leadership role with the Laurentian University Sexuality and Gender Diversity
Committee, and was a long-standing member of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Status of Women. She also served as an ex officio member of the Laurentian University Native Education Council, through which she has had the honour of learning from the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nations People.
She has previously taught at the University of New Brunswick and Mount Allison University. Dr.
Dickinson holds a Psychology Honours, Bachelor of Arts, and PhD in Psychology from the University
of New Brunswick.
She is a full professor of Psychology with a research focus in cognitive processing during schema
violations. She has experience in development and training for diversity and inclusion workshops.
She has a successful teaching and research career, winning the Laurentian University Teaching
Excellence award in 2016.
She is an active community volunteer and has worked with many non-profit organizations and
advisory boards, including the Women in Cognitive Science Canada Advisory Committee and
Réseau Access Network. She currently serves as a Director on the Board of 211 Nova Scotia, is
Chair of the Governance Committee on the Universities Canada Board, and is the Vice-Chair of the
Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (ACEDIP).
Throughout her career she has demonstrated her commitment to engaging with faculty, staff,
students and the local community and continues to be an advocate for those overcoming situations
of adversity to succeed.
Catherine A. Décarie
President at International Women's Forum of CanadaCatherine is the President of the International Women's Forum of Canada. She currently leads a team of Relationship Managers responsible for the growth and retention of the TD Insurance Affinity Market Group partnerships in Eastern Canada. She joined TD in 1994 and has had the opportunity to work in various sectors of TD Insurance, including client services and claims services, before joining the Affinity Market Group in 2018.
She holds a Master's degree in private law from the Université of Paris X, in Nanterre, France.
She is active in the insurance industry as a member of both the Quebec and Atlantic regional Committees of IBC (Insurance Bureau of Canada) and has also served as Chair of the Atlantic Committee of CADRI (Canadian Association of Direct Relationship Insurers).
A passionate ally for diversity, equality and inclusion, Catherine is a member of the TD Insurance 2SLGBTQ Executive committee. She recently championed the creation of the inaugural internship for students with disabilities at TD.
Carolann Harding
Chief Executive Officer at SmartICECarolann Harding ICD.D, CEO of SmartICE, is leading an award-winning team that works collaboratively with Indigenous communities, co-designs projects focusing on combining climate change and Indigenous knowledge. In May 2023, Canadian Geographic named SmartICE #1 of 20 Canadian Innovations to watch. Carolann board work spans food security, education, women’s film and aerospace & defense.
In 2024 Carolann was chosen as a Top 50 CEO and 2021 as one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 most Powerful Women. Other accomplishments include being named 1 of 3 national finalists in the RBC Women of Influence Social Change Award and receiving an International Alliance for Women World of Difference 100 Award for efforts in advancing the economic empowerment of women.
Karen Hutt
EVP Strategy and Business Development at Emera Inc.Karen Hutt leads business development, strategy and corporate affairs at Emera. Prior to this role, Karen served as the President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. Since joining Emera in 2001, Karen has held senior roles in customer strategy, mergers and acquisitions, commercial operations, and regulatory initiatives across Canada and the US.
Karen is an active supporter of the local community. She currently serves on the Acadia Board of Governors and is Chair of Pier 21’s Fascinating Canadian annual Halifax event. She is also the past-Chair of the IWK Health Centre, and a founding partner of Sandpiper Ventures – a venture capital fund focused on investing in female led start-up businesses.
In 2019, Karen was named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada by the Women’s Executive Network. In 2024, Karen was named one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women by Atlantic Business Magazine.
Ann LaBillois
Elder in Residence at Dalhousie UniversityAnn LaBillois is a Mi’gmaw Elder from Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar). Ms. Elder Ann LaBillois grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, moved back to Eel River Bar, worked as an addiction’s counsellor for 12 yrs. A certified Facilitator for MBSR (Mindful, Based Stress Reduction), thru the University of Massachusetts.
Retired and currently a student at Dalhousie University in Philosophy and working as the Elder in Residence at the University. Ann has 3 wonderful children and 3 Blessed grandchildren.
Laura Lee Langley
President at Atlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyLaura Lee Langley assumed the role of President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
on July 2, 2024.
Ms. Langley brings a wealth of experience to ACOA, having previously served as Deputy
Minister of the Office of the Nova Scotia Premier, Deputy Minister of Treasury Board, Clerk of
the Executive Council, and Head of the Nova Scotia Public Service since June 2016.
After more than 15 years as a journalist, Ms. Langley began her decades-long career in the
public service. She has demonstrated success in engaging employees while working in complex
systems, tackling wicked problems, and driving a whole-of-government, citizen-centred
approach to developing public policy. She has an interest in transforming how we work in the
Westminster model of government while advancing the modernization of the public service.
Ms. Langley is a sought-after speaker on leadership, workplace communication and leading in
complex systems, and is a certified facilitator in understanding and seeing organizational
systems. She has a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University (2002) and a
Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University (2015).
Ms. Langley has served as a board member for various professional and community
organizations and is a known advocate for diversity and inclusion. She has been recognized by
the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission as a Champion of the Workplace, and in 2018 she
was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women as a strategic and
engaging public-sector leader. In 2024, she received the Public Policy Forum’s Frank McKenna
Award for her leadership in public service.
Kathryn Lockhart
Chief Executive Officer at Propel ICTAs CEO of Propel, Kathryn leads Atlantic Canada's virtual accelerator serving over 110 companies last year. Her mission to raise baby unicorns is empowering founders across the region. She is also a Managing Partner at WEL Atlantic (Women’s Equity Lab) where are actively investing from their fully subscribed second fund that brings women investors together to invest in women and women-identifying led startups in Atlantic Canada. She also a member of the IWF (International Women’s Foundation) and an active mentor at CDL.
Kathryn led a cross- regional team to launch Startup Atlantic, a pan-regional brand representing the region with a single voice. Previous to Propel, she was the Vice President of Growth and Corporate Strategy at JVPLabs, a MedTech start-up focused on supporting congestive heart failure patients. She has deep experience scaling young technology companies.
Kathryn holds an MBA from Harvard Business School as well as a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership from University of New Brunswick’s Renaissance College. Her work experience began in Toronto where she launched and grew the first technology division for a now global Human Capital Management during which she relocated to Europe, where she later ran her own start-up based in Oldenburg, Germany as well as led strategic growth for another start-up in Munich. Back in Canada she then served as the Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Bluedrop Learning Networks based in St. John’s.
She is a regular guest speaker at startup events, hosts a podcast titled Founder Journeys, chairs the Board of SiftMed, is a Director with ONB, TLT East Ventures, and serves on the advisory board for Advanced Victory Technologies. She was named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in 2024. Kathryn and her family are based in Saint John where she enjoys coaching her daughter’s basketball team.
Marion MacKenzie
Chair, IWFC Atlantic Chapter and Practice Lead, Executive Coaching at Royer ThompsonMarion brings a depth of practical and personal experience to our executive coaching and career transition clients supporting the growth of high impact leaders and teams. She is the former President of a national communications consulting firm serving clients in the consumer, corporate, healthcare and government sectors. Previously, she was also Vice President, Corporate Communications for a global telecommunications firm.
-ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors
-Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
-Bachelor of Public Relations with Distinction from Mount Saint Vincent University
-Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University
-ACC certified executive coach from the International Coaching Federation
-Hogan Assessments and 6 Team Conditions certifications
-Chair of the International Women’s Forum (Atlantic Chapter), Member of National Executive
-Canadian Feed the Children Board Member
-Lab2Market and Cove Accelerator programs’ mentor
-Mount Saint Vincent External Relations Committee Member
In her free time Marion enjoys travelling, great food and wine and time with family and friends.
Gabrielle Masone
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ColoursmithGabrielle Masone is the founder and CEO of Coloursmith, an R&D company advancing light-filtering technologies in vision care. With a background in Chemistry from Dalhousie University and Chemical Engineering Technology from Seneca College, she combines scientific expertise with innovation. A dedicated vision care advocate, she has worked with Prevent Blindness America and the CNIB. Recognized for her chemistry innovations, Gabrielle continues to drive Coloursmith’s mission to transform the industry
Alexandra McCann
Executive Director of ONSIDEAlexandra “Alex” McCann is the Executive Director of ONSIDE and an advocate for an inclusive and innovative economy.
Previous to this role, Alexandra was the Chief Operating Officer for Dockside Investco, a Nova Scotia-based portfolio management company; as well as the CEO for Baie Run Pet Products, a natural products start-up, focused on pet wellness including, omega3s and supplements sold in the U.S. and Canada. She is a co-founder of Sun Under the Sea Nutrition, dairy-free marine collagen creamer company. In addition, Alexandra has been an Investment Attraction lead for Invest Nova Scotia (formerly NSBI) covering clean tech, ocean tech, life sciences, as well as bioresources, agri-foods and seafoods. She has also held positions with the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank) in Asset Management, as well as the Office of Renewable Energy & Environmental Exports, focused on global infrastructure, structured and project finance.
Alexandra McCann holds an MA in Pacific Asian Studies from the University of London, School of Oriental African Studies (SOAS) and a double BA from the University of Virginia in Asian Studies and Anthropology. Alex is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and a former member of the Board of Governors at the University of Kings College. Alex recently concluded her tenor as Secretary and Treasurer of the Inspirit Foundation—which promotes an inclusive and pluralistic Canada—and was chair of the Finance Impact Investment Committee. She sat on the advisory board for SEATAC, an applied research and innovation centre for the ocean technology sector, and the steering committee for the Black Startup Project with the Tribe Network.
Alex is obsessed with saving handwriting, enjoys travel, politics, and sampling all of Nova Scotia’s culinary delights! She is also host of the ONSIDE Podcast.
Karen Oldfield
Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at Nova Scotia HealthSince September 2021, Karen Oldfield has served as the Interim President and CEO of Nova Scotia
Health by appointment of Premier Tim Houston. With over 40,000 employees, Nova Scotia Health is
the largest employer in Nova Scotia, responsible for operating the provincial healthcare system. Karen is leading the organization's transformational efforts to improve healthcare. This transformation includes major province wide infrastructure improvements, including the biggest capital project/spend in Nova Scotia's history, the installation of a provincial technology backbone to support the acute care system, and the creation of the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub where researchers, clinicians and entrepreneurs come together to create innovative care solutions.
Prior to her time with Nova Scotia Health, she spent more than 18 years as President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority. During her leadership, the organization saw record level growth in investments and expansion translating to a significant increase in traded activity for the region.
Ms. Oldfield serves as Lead Director of Acadian Timber (ADN.TO), serving as Chair of Nomination and Governance and Executive Compensation as well as member of the Audit Committee. Ms. Oldfield is Past Chair of the Board of Governors of Saint Mary’s University. In recognition of her dedication and passion for excellence in business, in May 2022 she received an honorary Doctor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University. She has served as President of the Canadian Chapter of the International Women’s Forum, a global organization comprised of female leaders with a stated mission to further develop female executive and board talent.
Karen has a supportive family, and daughter Laura whom allow her to go and “get things done”.
Miia Suokonautio
Executive Director of YWCA HalifaxMiia has served as the Executive Director of YWCA Halifax, Atlantic Canada’s largest multiservice gender justice organization, since 2014.
Presently, Miia is the Co-Chair of the Provincial Advisory Committee on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth, a member of the federal Reaching Home Community Advisory Board for Halifax, and regularly part of national advocacy initiatives with YWCA Canada.
Principles that guide Miia’s work:
- Hard on the issues, soft on the people
- Don’t confuse serious with deliberate
- Never underestimate the power of progressive policy
In the past, Miia has chaired the Homelessness Working Group of the Halifax Housing and Homelessness Partnership, co-chaired the Nova Scotia Sexual Assault Services Network, was a founding advisory member of the Pan-Canadian Voice for Women’s Housing, a member of the Coalition for People Sleeping Outside, and served as a member of the Non-profit Childcare Directors’ Association of Nova Scotia.
Miia has a graduate degree in social work from the University of Toronto and has pursued studies at the American Graduate School of International Relations and Diplomacy in Paris, France.
In Halifax, Miia has served as crisis worker in the IWK emergency department and taught in the School of Social Work at Dalhousie University. Miia is a lover of all that is messy, complicated, and unpredictable.
Candace Thomas
VP Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Nova Scotia HealthCandace joined Nova Scotia Health in July 2024 as the Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
Prior to joining Nova Scotia Health, Candace was the Deputy Minister of Justice and the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism and Deputy Attorney General for the Province of Nova Scotia. Before her appointment as Deputy Minister in April 2020, Candace practiced corporate law in the Nova Scotia Office of a leading Regional Law Firm.
Candace was selected by her peers to be included in the 2017-2020 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada for her work in corporate law and received her Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) designation in 2017.
Candace has always been an active community leader and champion of literacy and higher education, which she believes are social equalizers that lead to self-empowerment and self-sufficiency. She is currently a member of the Boards of The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation and The Africadian Empowerment Academy Society.
Candace is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University and the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. A proud native of East Preston, Candace resides in Dartmouth with her husband and their 18-year-old daughter.
The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard
Senator - Nova ScotiaThe Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard,
PhD, C.M., O.N.S.
Senator – Nova Scotia (East Preston)
Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard is the first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed to the Senate of Canada, representing the province of Nova Scotia. Senator Bernard is a proud resident of East Preston, where she lives with her husband George, their daughter Candace, son-in-law David and grandsons Damon and Gavin. Senator Bernard champions issues impacting African Canadians and people living with disabilities. She is particularly invested in human rights, employment equity, and mental health.
Through her involvement in community projects, her social work career, her time with Dalhousie School of Social Work, and now her work in the Senate, Senator Bernard has maintained a deep dedication to social justice and racial justice. Senator Bernard advocates for reparations for the historical and continued anti-Black racism impacting the lives of African Canadians.